History of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is a country with a rich historical and cultural past. Its geographical and geopolitical situation has played a significant role in promoting the development of Kazakhstan. Being located in the center of Eurasia, Kazakhstan has long been at the intersection of ancient world civilization and at the crossroads of major transport arteries. Thus it has been a site for a negotiation of social and economic, cultural and ideological relations between East and West, North and South, between Europe and Asia. At different stages in history, Kazakhstan has been home to many nations with distinctive cultural histories which have, in turn, been absorbed into modern Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan in Ancient Times

In the early part of the first millenium B.C., the nomadic Skythian-Saks civilization prospered on the territory of the Central Asian steppes. Many of the cultural landmarks of this civilization still exist on the steppe today. Especially impressive are articles of family life and decorations made of bronze and gold in the so-called “animist” style, excavated from mounds in different regions of Kazakhstan. The tomb of “The Gold Saks Warrior-Prince”, discovered in the town of Issyk, close to the capital city of Almaty, is famous for its integrity, beauty and elegance.

During the following centuries in the steppes of modern Kazakhstan the powerful state of the Huns was formed. This exerted great influence on the geopolitical map of the world of that period. It is know that the Great Roman empire was caught unawares by an attack launched by the daring Hun warrior, Attila. Along with their achievements in battle, the Huns brought with them into Europe great cultural influence, contributing significantly to modern European culture – the simplest example of this influence being trousers.

The Huns were succeeded in Central Asia by Turkic-speaking tribes. These groups founded several large state formations, know as “kaganats” (empires) which extended from the Yellow Sea in the east to the Black Sea in the west. These states were distinguished by a cultural that was progressive for its time and based not only on a nomadic economy, but also on an urban oasis culture that had rich trade handicraft traditions. For instance, in the oasis of Central Asia (the present day-territory of southern Kazakhstan and Central Asia) cities and caravansaries were founded which helped to facilitate the famous trade route, known as the Great Silk Road which connected Byzantium and China. In addition, other important trade routes were established in the area, including a road running along the banks of the Syr-Darya River leading to the Aral Sea and the South Ural, as well as the so-called “Sable Road” which connected Central Kazakhstan and the Altai with south-western regions of Siberia. It was via trade on this road the Near East and Europe were supplied with expensive furs. A number of major cities and trade centers such as Otrar (Farab), Taraz, Rulan, Yassi (Turkestan), Sauran, Balasagun and others were founded on this routes.

The Great Silk Road not only stimulated the development of trade, but also became a conduit of progressive scientific and cultural ideas. For example, the life and creative activity of the great philosopher Al-Farabi (870-959) dates back to these times. Born